By S Kumaresan - PUDUKKOTTAI
18th November 2012 08:29 AM
Following an intelligence alert that an explosive
material made by former Sri Lankan navy officials is afloat near Tamil Nadu’s
coast, fishermen have been warned not to touch anything in the sea and coastal
security has been beefed up accordingly.
According to sources, from Friday night, coastal
security police of Tamil Nadu intensified their patrolling following a red
alert issued by the IB on explosive substance called Improvised Explosive
Device (IED) floating in the Indian sea.
It is said to have been manufactured by former navy
officials of the island.From Nagai to Kanniyakumari, more than 12 coastal
police stations with two boats in each station are involved in the monitoring
process.
A total of 14 boats had been engaged in
vigilance activities from Friday night and they would be in the sea till
November 19.
The officials attached with the coastal police
instructed the fishermen that no one should touch or hit any unknown floating
substance.
When they see any suspicious floating material in the
sea, they should inform ‘1093’ (Toll free number of coastal security service).
Chezhiyan, inspector of Special branch of Pudukkottai
district told Express that they had indeed received such an alert, but added
that it was a routine issue.
He added that the police had strengthened the coastal
security based on the information received.
